Research in The Lancet found no evidence to suggest that a multistrain preparation of bacteria was effective in preventing Clostridium difficile or antibiotic-related diarrhea. They call for a better understanding of the development of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Probiotics come in capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids, and they are available online. Diarrhea is also a symptom of other conditions, some of which can be serious. Other possible symptoms are:. If any of these accompany diarrhea, or if the diarrhea is chronic, it may indicate a more serious illness. Two potentially serious complications of diarrhea are dehydration in cases of severe and frequent diarrhea and malabsorption in cases of chronic diarrhea.
Diarrhea can also indicate a wide range of underlying chronic conditions. Diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further problems. They will also look for signs of dehydration. Severe dehydration can be fatal if the person does not receive rehydration therapy immediately. Most cases of diarrhea resolve without treatment, and a doctor will often be able to diagnose the problem without the use of tests.
However, in more severe cases, a stool test may be necessary — especially if the symptoms persist for longer than a week. If a person has chronic or persistent diarrhea, the doctor will order tests according to the suspected cause.
Diarrhea often resolves without medical treatment, but it is important to seek medical help when there is:. Anyone who experiences diarrhea after surgery, after spending time in the hospital, or after using antibiotics should seek medical attention. Adults who lose sleep due to diarrhea should also seek medical care as soon as possible, as this is usually a sign of more serious causes. Children should see a doctor as soon as possible if they have had more than five bouts of diarrhea or vomited more than twice within 24 hours.
There is evidence to suggest that interventions from public health bodies to promote hand-washing can reduce diarrhea rates by about one-third. In developing countries, however, the prevention of diarrhea may be more challenging due to dirty water and poor sanitation.
In most cases, a range of home remedies and medical treatments can help. However, a person should see their doctor if they are concerned about diarrhea or other symptoms. Diarrhea is a common digestive problem. It can be highly uncomfortable, but many people can treat it at home using simple home remedies. Learn about…. A limited diet can help a person reduce the symptoms of diarrhea. Diarrhea usually lasts up to 3 days. During this time, it is best to consume bland….
This diet prioritizes bland, easily digestible foods to…. Diarrhea may resolve by itself, but it can also be painful and uncomfortable. Read on to learn about the causes, some treatments, and when to see a…. Sugar substitutes called sugar alcohols can have a laxative effect. Check the ingredients label and look for a laxative warning.
If you find that you have loose stool after drinking milk or eating dairy products, you may have lactose intolerance. It tends to run in families and can develop later in life. Instead of breaking it down, your body disposes of these sugars very quickly, often in the form of diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is a common cause of chronic diarrhea.
If you have this condition, avoiding dairy products should clear up diarrhea. The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant. It makes you feel mentally alert, and it also stimulates your digestive system. Many people have a bowel movement very soon after a cup of coffee. For some people, even decaffeinated coffee can stimulate the gut because of other chemicals present in coffee.
Using dairy substitutes, such as oat milk or a coconut creamer, can reduce the laxative effects of coffee. Otherwise, if you think coffee is causing diarrhea, try switching to green tea or another hot beverage. Coffee contains caffeine, which stimulates bowel movements. Adding milk, creamer, and sugar substitutes can increase its laxative effect.
Aside from coffee, other foods and drinks that contain caffeine can cause diarrhea or loose stool. Caffeine naturally occurs in chocolate, so any chocolate-flavored products could contain hidden caffeine.
Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruit. Eaten in excess, fructose can have a laxative effect. Eating large amounts of fruit can cause diarrhea because this means taking in high levels of fructose. Some people find that they have looser bowel movements when fresh fruit and vegetables are more readily available in the summer months. Both garlic and onion contain juices that, when broken down by the acid in your stomach, can release gases and irritate the bowels.
Garlic and onions are fructans, which is a carbohydrate the body finds it difficult to digest. They also contain insoluble fiber, which can make foods move through the digestive system faster.
If you want to replace garlic and onions in your diet, try experimenting with celery or fennel. These can give your food a similar taste, but with less risk of diarrhea and gas. Broccoli and cauliflower are cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables have plenty of health benefits, but the digestive tract can have trouble processing them.
Try starting with small portions and increasing your fiber intake slowly. A high fiber diet can help reduce diarrhea and has benefits for your digestive and heart health. Read about the benefits of dietary fiber here. Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli and cauliflower, are difficult for the body to break down.
Eating them has health benefits, but they can cause digestive discomfort. Fatty, greasy, or fried foods contain saturated fats and trans fats. These foods can cause diarrhea or make the symptoms worse. This is because the body has trouble breaking them down. These foods often contain little nutritional value, so the body has little to extract from them.
They tend to pass through the body and exit quickly. Instead, try choosing grilled chicken, turkey burgers, or vegetarian options when looking to satisfy fast food cravings. Drinking alcohol can lead to loose stool the following day.
This is especially true when drinking beer or wine. Try cutting out alcohol and seeing if the diarrhea goes away. In children, particularly young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. Call your doctor if your child's diarrhea doesn't improve within 24 hours or if your child:. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. You can help protect your infant from rotavirus, the most common cause of viral diarrhea in children, with one of two approved vaccines.
Ask your baby's doctor about having your baby vaccinated. Diarrhea commonly affects people who travel to countries where there's inadequate sanitation and contaminated food. To reduce your risk:. Watch what you drink.
Drink bottled water, soda, beer or wine served in its original container. Avoid tap water and ice cubes. Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth.
Keep your mouth closed while you shower. Beverages made with boiled water, such as coffee and tea, are probably safe. Remember that alcohol and caffeine can aggravate diarrhea and worsen dehydration.
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